Diego Lugano still highly revered at Sao Paulo

By Stuart MacLennan 2014-03-05 08:21:00 20140305

Lugano will captain Uruguay at the World Cup - Action Images

Sao Paulo defender Alvaro Pereira has offered a message to fans of the club from former Tricolor defender Diego Lugano, who played for them between 2003 and 2006: he misses you and wishes you every success.

The pair have met up for Uruguay's international friendly against Austria this evening and Pereira knows just how revered Lugano is in Brazil, having helped them win the Brazilian championship, the Copa Libertadores and FIFA Club World Cup during his time there.

"First, I want to convey the affection that the fans have for him. Before arriving in Sao Paulo, I knew he was well liked. But I was surprised because the fans love him so much."

"It's very nice to see this because I was not expecting it so it is a great feeling."

Lugano's spell in Brazil saw him play 176 times for Sao Paulo, scoring 11 goals in the process. He is currently under contract at West Brom in England until 2015.